American Bulldog
Gold Member
So I have a Ventrac 4231 Turbo Diesel. I am aware that this motor is not held in high regard with the general public. I have almost 200 hours on it so far, with no problems yet. I have two basic complaints though.
1. It overheats too easily. When the temperature is over 80 degF, radiator needs to be kept very clean to prevent overheating. On a 4 hour mow job I will have to clean out the radiator several times. On a really dry day, I will have to blow the dust out of the radiator at least once.
2. Not enough power. On 20+ degree slopes, I cannot go full speed in Low Range when mowing. In my opinion, the motor should be powerful enough to go full speed in low range up to 30 degree inclines.
Other than that, the motor has been great. Runs smooth, and has fantastic fuel economy.
So anyway, the new 4500 motor lineup from Ventrac offers little benefit to what I have, with maybe the exception of the 32.5 HP Kubota. It seemed to have more power in the comparison video. I looked at the Steiner website, and the 440 now has an available 40HP Gas air cooled motor made by Kohler. Just wondering if anybody has tried this machine, and how much hill climbing power does it have? Also, would love to hear all of your thoughts on the engine lineups and which one is best on both brands.
If anybody has any first hand horror stories with the Briggs Turbo Diesel, I would like to hear those as well.
1. It overheats too easily. When the temperature is over 80 degF, radiator needs to be kept very clean to prevent overheating. On a 4 hour mow job I will have to clean out the radiator several times. On a really dry day, I will have to blow the dust out of the radiator at least once.
2. Not enough power. On 20+ degree slopes, I cannot go full speed in Low Range when mowing. In my opinion, the motor should be powerful enough to go full speed in low range up to 30 degree inclines.
Other than that, the motor has been great. Runs smooth, and has fantastic fuel economy.
So anyway, the new 4500 motor lineup from Ventrac offers little benefit to what I have, with maybe the exception of the 32.5 HP Kubota. It seemed to have more power in the comparison video. I looked at the Steiner website, and the 440 now has an available 40HP Gas air cooled motor made by Kohler. Just wondering if anybody has tried this machine, and how much hill climbing power does it have? Also, would love to hear all of your thoughts on the engine lineups and which one is best on both brands.
If anybody has any first hand horror stories with the Briggs Turbo Diesel, I would like to hear those as well.
